Summer safety tips from Officer Patrick Tedesco

With summer just around the corner, we should start thinking of all the things summer brings. Unfortunately one of the things we don’t think of when we think of summer is that it brings out more people who want to do us harm. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while enjoying yourselves this summer.

At Home

Make sure all windows and doors in your home can be locked, especially sliding glass doors. Keep entrances well lit.

Install a peephole in the door if you don’t have one, and use it.

Check the identification of any sales or service persons before letting them in.

Don’t let any stranger into your home when you’re alone – no matter what the emergency is said to be. Offer to make an emergency call while the person waits outside.

That being said, never give the impression that you are home alone if a strangers telephone or come to the door.

If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or garage by yourself, especially at night.

If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of a forced entry, don’t go in. Go to the nearest phone and call police.

While walking

Always be alert of your surroundings and the people around you.

Try to stay in well-lit areas.

Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.

If you are in trouble, attract help any way you can. Scream, yell for help or yell, “Fire!”

If you feel you are being followed walk to a well-populated area.

While Driving

Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half full.

Park in well-lit areas and lock the doors, even if you’ll only be gone a short time.

If you get a flat tire, drive carefully on it until you reach a safe, well-lit and well-traveled area.

Do not leave valuables lying out in plain sight when you leave your vehicle. Lock any valuables you have with you in the trunk or glove compartment.

Use your headlights when drive in fog or rainy conditions. This not only helps your visibility but also helps others see you coming.

If you should be approached or attacked, try and stay alert and observant so that you can better describe your attacker and assault to the police. In certain circumstances it may be more advisable to submit than to resist and risk severe injury or death. You will have to make this decision based on the circumstances. Be especially careful if your attacker should have a weapon.

As always, if you see a crime or feel you may be in danger, do not hesitate to call 911.